Tales of Don Quixote, Book 2

Gregory Bryan is a member of the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg.

Barbara Nichol’s retelling of Don Quixote tales began after making a
documentary for CBC Radio. In this second book of tales, Nichol
continues to detail the exploits of the gallant knight and his faithful
follower, Sancho Panza. At the end of the first book, the two
adventurers returned home. When Don Quixote learns that his experiences
have been recorded in a book and that the author is seeking more tales
for a sequel, Quixote again arises from his bed to sally forth.

Quixote is the “bravest and most lovesick knight who ever lived,”
and his devotion to Dulcinea knows no bounds. It is in Dulcinea’s name
that Quixote performs his feats, most often sitting astride his horse,
Rocinante, while Panza follows nearby with his overladen ass, Dapple.

Nichol does an admirable job of retaining the rich beauty of the
language of Don Quixote and its charming wit. From her collection of
tales, Nichol selects only those that deal with the main plot, without
trying to keep track of the meanderings Cervantes permits himself. A
highlight of this second instalment is when Panza gets to be a
governor—albeit for only 10 days. Another highlight is when Quixote
bravely faces a lion. Elsewhere, however, his fortunes sway, such as
when he suffers the indignity of being stampeded by pigs. But then, such
is life for Don Quixote.

These latest tales will appeal to high-school readers with a strong
sense of the ridiculous. Recommended.